S.Kathiresan, v. The Inspector Of Police,

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT DATED: 06.10.2017

CORAM

THE HON'BLE MR.JUSTICE S.S.SUNDAR W.P.(MD) No.18580 of 2017 S.Kathiresan ... Petitioner -VsThe Inspector of Police, Poovanthi Police Station, Sivagangai District.

... Respondent Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to grant permission and necessary protection to perform the Aadal Padal Programme on 11.10.2017 in the eve "Arul Mighu Manthaiamman Kovil", "Mulaipari Vizha" at T.Athikarai, Thirupuvanam Taluk, Sivagangai District.

For Petitioner : Mr.M.Jegadeesha Pandian For Respondent : Mr.D.Muruganantham, Additional Government Pleader.

O R D E R

This Writ petition is filed for issuing a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent to grant permission and necessary protection to perform "Aadal Padal" programme on 11.10.2017 in the eve of "Arul Mighu Manthaiamman Kovil", "Mulaipari Vizha" at T.Athikarai, Thirupuvanam Taluk, Sivangangai District.

2. Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent.

3. The learned counsel for the petitioner submitted that the villagers jointly decided to conduct "Adal Padal" programme on 11.10.2017 in connection with a "Mulaipari" festival in "Arul Mighu Manthaiamman Kovil", at T.Athikarai, Thirupuvanam Taluk, Sivangangai District. He further submitted that in this connection, a representation was given to the respondent on 03.10.2017, with a request to grant permission and protection to conduct the programme on the above said date. However, the respondent police has not yet considered the said representation and hence, the petitioner is before this Court with this Writ Petition.

4. The learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondent submitted that this Court may grant permission for "Adal

Padal" programme subject to stringent conditions.

5. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the Writ Petition is disposed of with the following directions: The respondent/The Inspector of Police, Poovanthi Police Station, Sivagangai District, is directed to consider the representation of the petitioner, dated 03.10.2017 and to give permission and to provide police protection for "Adal Padal" programme in connection with "Mulaipari" festival, in "Arul Mighu Manthaiamman Kovil", at T.Athikarai, Thirupuvanam Taluk, Sivangangai District, scheduled to be held on 11.10.2017, subject to the following conditions;

(a) the "Adal Padal" programme in connection with the "Mulaipari" festival, in "Arul Mighu Manthaiamman Kovil", at T.Athikarai, Thirupuvanam Taluk, Sivangangai District, scheduled to be held on 11.10.2017 should be completed before 10.30 p.m., or as may be permitted by the respondent police.

(b) there should not be any kind of obscene dance or vulgar dialogues during the performance, by any one of the participants;

(c) double meaning songs should not be played so as to spoil the minds of students and the youth; (d) no dance or songs, touching upon any political party or religion, community or caste be played; (e) There should not be any Flex Boards representing any community or political leaders;

(f) the function should not affect either religious or communal harmony and shall be conducted without any discrimination based on caste;

(g) if there is any violation of any one of the conditions imposed, the concerned Police Officer is at liberty to take necessary action, as per law and stop such performance;

(h) similarly, the Police is empowered to stop the programme, if it exceeds beyond the permitted time; (i) the participants of the programme shall not intake any kind of in-toxic substance or liquor during the programme; and (j) if any untoward incident takes place, the

organizers of the programme be made responsible for the same.

6. The respondent is at liberty to put any further restrictions or to impose any conditions purely in the interest of preserving public order and tranquillity so as to maintain law and order and communal harmony. There can be a total ban for putting up any Flex Boards representing any community. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar(RTI) /True Copy/ Sub Assistant Registrar To The Inspector of Police, Poovanthi Police Station, Sivagangai District.

+1cc to THE SPECIAL GOVERNMENT PLEADER in SR. No. 81942 +1cc to Mr.M.JEGADEESHA PANDIAN Advocate in SR. No. 81882 KM/PMU JS/SV.MMS/SAR.2/10.10.2017/3P-4C W.P.(MD) No. 18580 of 2017 06.10.2017